Department of Corrections

“Isolating inmates from their loved ones tears the fabric of families and communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – Families will be able to speak with inmates of the Illinois prison system via video call under a new law sponsored by State Sen. Jacqueline Collins in the Illinois Senate. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed that legislation today.

“As technology improves, we can find ways of lessening the burden of incarceration on families. This allows the Illinois Department of Corrections to facilitate humane visitation rights for inmates while giving families a way of avoiding travel costs,” Collins said.

SPRINGFIELD – Ex-offenders can now obtain their birth certificates at no charge thanks to a measure sponsored by Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago).

“We should be doing everything possible to remove barriers to success and reduce recidivism for ex-offenders,” Van Pelt said. “Waiving the fee requirement for birth certificates for an individual who is released from a Department of Corrections facility removes a financial burden, giving ex-offenders a better chance at success.”

Senate Bill 1413 waives the fee for birth certificates for individuals when they are released from a Department of Corrections facility.